ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset Review Best Audio for PC and Consoles

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The Ultimate Gaming Experience: My Take on the ASUS ROG Delta S

Testing the ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset felt like stepping into a new dimension of audio clarity. As someone who dives deep into gaming marathons and spends hours on voice calls with friends, I was excited to see how this USB-C gaming powerhouse would hold up. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint, though there are a few quirks worth mentioning.

Design and Comfort: A Gamer’s Dream?

The first thing that caught my attention was the sleek, D-shaped ear cups. They’re not only visually appealing but are also designed to fit the natural shape of your ears. I instantly noticed how the protein leather and fast-cooling memory foam cushions provided a snug yet breathable experience. No sweating or discomfort, even after hours of use. The 300-gram lightweight build made it easy to forget I was even wearing a headset.

However, the detachable USB-C cable could’ve been slightly longer. Measuring three feet, it felt a tad restrictive, especially if your setup isn’t right next to you. The RGB lighting, though customizable, might not impress everyone. The Soundwave Light mode is a fun touch, flashing in sync with your voice, but I found myself turning it off after a while since it can be distracting.

Audio Performance: A Level Above

This headset shines in the audio department, and I’m not just saying that. The ESS 9281 QUAD DAC technology paired with MQA decoding delivers true-to-life audio quality that feels immersive. Whether I was creeping through a horror game or blasting enemies in an FPS, the 130 dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) made every sound pop. I could pinpoint enemy movements and even hear the faintest environmental details like a crackling fire in the background.

One standout feature is the frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz, which ensures rich, deep bass without muddying the mids and highs. Music sounded crisp, and I even found myself using the headset for casual listening. However, the lack of active noise cancellation might be a dealbreaker for those in noisy environments, as it relies more on the ear cushions for passive noise isolation.

The AI Noise-Canceling Microphone: Game Changer or Gimmick?

The unidirectional, detachable microphone was a huge plus for me. It’s not just any mic; it’s AI-powered, designed to eliminate up to 95% of background noise. During a heated gaming session, my teammates couldn’t hear my keyboard clacking or the occasional barking dog in the background. Certified by both Discord and TeamSpeak, it’s ideal for streamers or anyone serious about communication.

That said, I noticed the mic sometimes clipped my voice during louder moments. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re someone who yells “cover me!” during intense matches, it might require some adjustment.

Key Benefits

• Impeccable audio quality with QUAD DAC and MQA technology.
• Lightweight and ergonomic design for extended comfort.
• Versatile USB-C compatibility with PCs, consoles, and smartphones.
• AI-powered microphone for crystal-clear communication.

Areas of Concern

• Short cable length could be limiting for some setups.
• RGB lighting, while customizable, can feel unnecessary.
• No active noise cancellation, which might matter in louder spaces.

Who’s It For?

This headset is clearly tailored for hardcore gamers, especially those into FPS titles where sound accuracy can make or break a match. It’s also a solid pick for streamers and gamers who spend hours in multiplayer games or chatting on platforms like Discord. While it works well for casual music listening, audiophiles might find better options elsewhere for pure music playback.

Competing Products

In a market flooded with gaming headsets, the ROG Delta S has stiff competition. Comparing it to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro, I found the Delta S to have a slight edge in audio clarity. The Arctis Pro offers better noise isolation, however, and comes with a more premium feel. Meanwhile, the HyperX Cloud II delivers excellent comfort but lacks the same level of audio precision that the Delta S offers.

Where the Delta S really shines is its multi-platform compatibility and AI-powered mic, features that some competitors either lack or don’t execute as well. Still, the price point might deter casual users, especially when some of its rivals offer similar performance for less.

Cost Efficiency

Is the Delta S worth the investment? If you’re someone who values high-resolution audio, precise sound staging, and comfort, then yes. The price-to-quality ratio feels justifiable given its advanced features like QUAD DAC technology and customizable RGB settings. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need top-tier audio performance, there are more affordable options that will get the job done.

Ultimately, the ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset is a solid choice for gamers who refuse to compromise on sound quality and comfort. It’s not without its flaws—like the short cable and reliance on passive noise isolation—but its AI-powered mic, adaptive design, and audio clarity make it a standout in its category.

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